CCP cans World of Darkness and lays off staff

CCP has cancelled its long-awaited World of Darkness MMO and has laid off 56 employees.

The layoffs affect its Atlanta studio where the MMO had been in full development since 2009.

CCP said some of the affected employees had been offered roles on other projects at the company and that it was assisting others with finding jobs.

The remaining team at the Atlanta base will now focus on developing games in the Eve Universe, which currently consists of titles such as Eve Online, Dust 514 and Eve Valkyrie.

“The decision to end the World of Darkness MMO project is one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make. I have always loved and valued the idea of a sandbox experience set in that universe, and over the years I’ve watched the team passionately strive to make that possible,” said CCP CEO Hilmar Veigar Pétursson.

“I would like to give special thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make the World of Darkness MMO a reality, especially the team members affected by this decision. Their considerable contribution to CCP will not be forgotten, and we wish them well.

“To our current and former employees and fans of World of Darkness, I am truly sorry that we could not deliver the experience that we aspired to make. We dreamed of a game that would transport you completely into the sweeping fantasy of World of Darkness, but had to admit that our efforts were falling regretfully short. One day I hope we will make it up to you.

“Although this was a tough decision that affects our friends and family, uniting the company behind the Eve Universe will put us in a stronger position moving forward, and we are more committed than ever to solidify Eve as the biggest gaming universe in the world.”